Qualcomm did some amazing things with the Snapdragon family of chips. Before their launch, I doubt anyone cared a hoot what processor was running in their phone. Ensuring the shine doesn't tarnish, Qualcomm's snapped up gesture recognition tech from GestureTek.

They plan on building the gesture-recognition support into Snapdragon chips, both current and future, which should see some crazy UI features added by manufacturers before too long. More details are shared in the press release below. [BGR, Image Credit: MaximumPC]

Qualcomm Acquires Gesture Recognition Assets from GestureTek

SAN DIEGO – July 25, 2011 – Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) today announced that it has acquired certain assets from GestureTek, a developer of gesture recognition technology. A leader in the gesture recognition field, GestureTek has more than 25 years of experience implementing gesture-based technologies in mobile devices, entertainment facilities, healthcare systems, retail locations, and public and private venues. The acquisition gives Qualcomm ownership of certain intellectual property assets related to gesture recognition, as well as key engineering resources. GestureTek is retaining other assets in continuation of its gesture-controlled public display and digital signage business.

"Applications processors are enabling a range of new ways for consumers to interface with their home entertainment and mobile devices," said Steve Mollenkopf, executive vice president and group president, Qualcomm. "Our acquisition of key technology and assets from GestureTek will strengthen Qualcomm's smartphone product portfolio and enable our customers to launch products with new and compelling user experiences."

Gesture recognition technology will be integrated into Qualcomm's current and next-generation Snapdragon™ processors, giving OEMs the capability to produce smartphones, tablets and home entertainment devices with user interfaces based on natural human gestures.

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